Behind The Scenes Facts From “The Andy Griffith Show”

The Opening Song Was Written In 15 Minutes

One of the most memorable television theme songs in the history of T.V. is that of “The Andy Griffith Show.” However most of us knew it simply as a tune that was whistled, and not one with full lyrics. We didn’t even know it had a title! Well, it does, and it’s called “Fishin’ Hole.” And the lyrics are just as catchy as that whistled opener. But who could sing it better than the show’s protagonist? That’s right, no one, which is why Andy Griffith himself originally sang the opening song!

Griffith recorded a fully sung version of the show’s theme which was written in under 15 minutes by Herbert Spencer and Earle Hagen. Everett Sloane, known for composing television theme songs for “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Mod Squad,” and “I Spy,” wrote the lyrics to “Fishin’ Hole,” with a simplicity meant to reflect the nature of the show.

Andy and Don Were Pals In Real Life

Andy Griffith and Don Knotts were best friends both on the show and off. Their long lasting friendship began in the mid-’50s when the two met in New York City while co-starring in the Broadway play ‘No Time for Sergeants’. It was Don’s Broadway debut where he played Corporal Manual Dexterity opposite Andy, who was leading the show as country bumpkin, Will Stockdale.

The two comrades stayed close friends for the rest of their lives. Andy even knelt beside Don Knotts’ bedside during his last days in 2006. Hollywood friendships don’t get any more authentic than these two! This duo is one for the ages.

The Wisdom Segment

IThe man with the longest beard in the world, Hans Steiniger died in a fire accident because of his beard. The beard did not only catch fire, but also got tangled with his leg, preventing him from escaping when the fire was still very small.

IIThere was a reindeer that sailed the high seas as a member of the Navy after the second World War. Her name was Pollyanna, and she was a gift of peace from Russia. She is one of the very few animals to have sailed on the HMS Trident.

IIIIn 1923, there was a tragic but weird occurrence that happened on the horse racing tracks. A horse rider wearing the most casual costume and riding the most ordinary horse had a heart attack whilst riding. He actually won the race, but was dead before he got to the finish line.

IVA public survey showed that against the popular belief that almost everyone has had a hot drink spilled on them while they were dunking biscuits, only 29% of adults have actually had this experience.

VWhile snowflakes are very small, there are record breaking flakes were 15 inches wide.

VIOne of the American Movies to holds the weirdest titles and awards in history is the movie, Psycho. With one of the weirdest being the fact that it is the first movie ever to show a toilet flushing.